I have a disability and would like disability-related accommodations. How do I proceed?

Blitz Student Accessibility Services or call SAS at (603) 646-9900 to make an appointment to discuss or start the process of setting-up appropriate accommodations. We usually begin with a 45-minute appointment. If you are away from campus – on an off-term or studying abroad, for example – alternative arrangements can be made.

What kind of documentation must I provide in order to be eligible for disability-related accommodations?

Before we can authorize disability-related accommodations, SAS will need documentation that confirms your disability-related circumstances [including, perhaps among other details, diagnosis(es), assessment of current functional limitations, and duration before reassessment is appropriate]. See the Disability-Related Policies web page for Dartmouth College’s Documentation Guidelines.

In some circumstances, when the accommodations requested match up with a clearly evident disability, we can verify the disability on-site and not require written documentation from a practitioner.

If you already have written documentation, even if what you have does not meet the Documentation Guidelines, it would be helpful to provide that ahead of time or bring it with you to your appointment. If you do not have any documentation available, we hope you make an appointment anyway. We can at least provide information and help you know your next best steps.

I don’t know if I have a “disability” per se, but I am having academic difficulties that don’t make sense to me, and I might want to explore the possibility. Can SAS help?

We may! Very bright individuals – such as those accepted for selective schools like Dartmouth College – can have a so-called “cognitive disability” that goes undetected through high school. “Cognitive disabilities” refers to various neurologic-based impairments that significantly affect learning and perhaps other major life activities. Some cognitive disabilities result from head injuries. Some are lifelong circumstances experienced from childhood. They can be diagnosed as “cognitive disorders,” “learning disorders,” “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” (AD/HD), or “post-traumatic head (or ‘brain’) injuries. Commonly used and less clinical terms include “learning disabilities,” “dyslexia,” “Attention Deficit Disorder” and “head injuries.”

To explore whether pre-screening at Student Accessibility Services is a good option for you, begin by blitzing SAS Director Ward Newmeyer.

If your concern is wholly or primarily an inability to sustain attention or focus and/or you want to be screened for Attention Deficit Disorder, you should start with Counseling and Human Development department at Dick’s House. Make an appointment by calling 646-9442.

What services are available to Dartmouth students with documented disabilities?

All services are determined on an individualized basis, so the services available will vary from student to student. SAS must be able to substantiate how each service is needed to achieve equal opportunity and how it relates to a student’s disability. The most important factors are the student’s experience as reported to SAS, documentation, and the legitimate requirements and standards of classes, programs, and activities for which services are authorized. See the Common Accommodations for Students for general information about how some common services often match up with certain kinds of disability-circumstances.

adjustments to timed, in-class examinations, quizzes, or assignments (e.g. extended time, testing in a separate venue, use of adaptive technology)

sign language interpreters

permission to audio record classes

class relocation (e.g. to an accessible classroom)

amanuenses (e.g. laboratory assistants to manipulate equipment)

“document conversion” of text for output in voice, Braille, or large print

reduced course load (permission for additional 2-course loads)

adaptive computing equipment and software

information and referral

This list is by no means exhaustive. The SAS/student partnership and individualized assessment can result in truly customized services.

The Director of Student Accessibility Services also assists students in resolving specific matters with faculty or with the appropriate College departments, such as the Undergraduate Deans Office, the Office of Residential Life, the Parking Office, Dick's House, Counseling and Human Development, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity, the Facilities Planning Office, and the Registrar's Office.

What rights and responsibilities do I have as a student requesting or using disability-related services? What are the expectations and responsibilities of Dartmouth College?

Fundamentally, students with disabilities have the responsibility to cooperate in the College’s process for determining appropriate individualized services, accommodations, academic adjustments, and program modifications, and the right to expect access and non-discrimination from the institution and its employees. Click on "Rights and Responsibilities" for more information.

If I have questions or concerns, or if I wish to file a complaint or grievance, what do I do?

Course RegistrationOffice of the Registrar, McNutt Hall, 646-2246Personnel in the Office of the Registrar are responsive to unusual situations and can make certain adjustments if needed. Questions may be directed to the Director of Student Accessibility Services or directly to the Registrar.

Health CareDick's House, 5 Rope Ferry Road, 650-1400Dick's House, the College Health Service, assists in maintaining the health and well being of Dartmouth students. A prepaid health care plan provides both direct care and appropriate referral for all types of health problems.

HousingOffice of Residential Life, 646-3093The Office of Residential Life provides suitable forms of housing for students with certain disabilities. Dartmouth has a number of residence halls that are accessible for mobility-impaired students. Additional modifications may be made as well. Immediately upon acceptance of admission, students are requested to discuss living arrangements with the Office of Residential Life. The housing form can be found at http://www.dartmouth.edu/~orl/housing/forms/.

Parking PermitsParking Operations, Dewey Field Road, 646-2340Parking permits are available to students with documented disabilities for use in designated parking spaces. Permits and maps outlining parking locations are available from Parking Operations and Safety and Security. The parking form can be found at http://www.dartmouth.edu/~fom/services/parking/info/disabled.html.